Why read non-fiction?

I came across The Guardian’s list of The 100 greatest non-fiction books today and it once again reminded me of just how little non-fiction I read. Perhaps it’s because I mostly see reading as escapism and love a good story above all else which is why my default is set to ‘fiction’. With saturation levels of information assailing us every waking minute, I need to have quite a bit of energy level left over at the end of the day to want to take even more on board. The last non-fiction I attempted was Tom Holland’s Millennium which I was really enjoying until I took a break and found it impossible to get into again (although I haven’t given up entirely). It had both escapism and a rollicking good story but there was so much new information I found it a bit exhausting. Wimpy, I know.

So, from The Guardian’s list, I’ve chosen the following to add to my ‘must read’ list:

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7 thoughts on “Why read non-fiction?”

Same here 🙂 Though I don’t read much now due masses of homework, I still hate reading non-fiction. What I love about fiction is that you can be submerged in the different era, life, place depicted between the pages.
Also, I’ve written a fiction story posted on my blog, I’d love some feedback on it 🙂

I think non-fiction is especially unappealing when you’re already studying and have lots of required reading to do. You almost need a ‘reading detox’ before you can tackle it again. Thanks for the comment and good luck with your blog!

It depends. I can’t stand celebrity (auto-)biographies. Reading about Katie Price’s life sounds less appealing than transcribing interviews. Some non-fiction’s definitely worth the struggle though as it allows little pieces of the world to click into place in my mind.

Maybe you should try reading the non-fiction as fiction and just enjoy the story? You can always jot down the salient facts as you go along or even, dare I say it, ask google for them later.

Hope you enjoy Crime and Punishment. 🙂 Wait… is ‘enjoy’ the right word?

Ha, it is the right word! It’s taking me quite a while to get through it but it’s been worth the effort so far. I agree on the celeb (auto)biography front – I’ve never had the urge to read one. I like your idea of the world clicking into place! I usually get that sense from watching a good documentary which is a bit like a lazier way of reading non-fiction 🙂